Italian, Bulgarian, or... (?)

[GREG E.]

I recently purchased a helmet for my son. I thought it was Italian, but the seller assured me that it is, in fact, Bulgarian.

Here is a picture of the liner and also a picture of a curious marking on the leather. Based on these two pics, can anybody tell me what nationality and/or what vintage this helmet might be?

Thanks in advance!

Best -

GREG E.

[GREG E.]

Curious Kay-Kay

Here's a close-up shot of the curious marking on the liner. Could this be a personalized marking of some sort? Or is it an official "government designation" for something?

[ARDITO]

It's a Bulgarian helmet.
Regards, Luca

[GREG E.]

Bulgaria 1 - Italia 0

Thank you for your input, Luca!

What is the distinguishing feature that you see in my photos? Is it the "K.K." marking? Or is it the strange reddish-brown color of the chinstrap? Or.. (?) Please help me to understand.

Do you know if these helmets were manufactured in Italy and sold/supplied to Bulgaria? Or are they actually Bulgarian production?

Thanks in advance for any knowledge that you are willing to share.

[ARDITO]

This type of helmets were manufactured only in Bulgaria.
The Italian has a molding helmet much more accurate and is made of steel with manganese, the 'interior was calfskin, treated against fungi, and the coloring and the chin straps were different.
See this topic, we are talking about M33 Italian helmets:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=246208
regards, Luca

[Klaus1989]

This Bulgarian helmet model called M51/72. The vent size is difference between M51 (small) and M72 (large). Some were still worn in Bulgarian Army until recent, but they phase them out now for a ballistic helmet.

regards
Klaus

[GREG E.]

Double Kay

Gentlemen - thanks to both of you for this interesting information. Much appreciated.

Can anybody comment about the curious "K.K." marking on the liner? Can I assume that it is not even military?

- GREG E.

[Klaus1989]

The "К.К." stamp is probably maker stamp and stand for name of company, but I am not familiar with Bulgarian helmet/helmet liner makers. The toothed wheel was also on the People's Republic of Bulgaria's coat of arm, if that helps any.

regards
Klaus

[Theodor]

Could be Kachestven Kontrol /Quality Control/, or could be the name of the factory that made the leather.